They are an 18-member team comprising housewives, Kudumbasree members, and labourers. Formed three years ago in Idukki block panchayat, Harithasena, the farm help group, offers a solution to the shortage of labour and issues plaguing the farm sector. The group takes up farm-related work at a reasonable rate and provide training to farmers.
After undergoing a 50-day training on the Kerala Agriculture University campus at Mannuthy, the group started taking up farm-related works.
In a short period of time, the group members turned experts in farming, besides giving training to others in farm-related activities. From clearing the field to harvesting, the team members provide support in almost all activities. They supply seeds and organic fertilizers and make green houses, polyhouses, and compost units.
A member of the team says they have completed over 2,000 farm-related activities in the block panchayat. The group also organises farm seminars and training programmes in association with grama panchayats.
The aim is to familiarise farmers with modern agriculture methods and make farming a remunerative employment. Anybody needing support may contact the group on phone, and they are ready with harvesting machines, tractors, and other farm-related machinery.
Farm library
The Harithasena manages a farm library with over 250 books and has a counselling centre ‘Swanthvanam’ for farmers in trouble.
The group also offers support in other spheres.
They also organise training in coconut climbing for women in association with local bodies and over 90 women have been trained by the group so far.
The group also plans to extend training to similar groups in other block panchayat too, says a team member.
They organised an investors’ meet in farm sector at Vandiperiyar recently.
